NEWS
Ukraine War: Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks to Russian people, and its leader
Yemie ADEOYE with Agency reports
HOUSTON TX– FORMER California state Governor, and international Hollywood star, Arnold Schwarzenegger has made a passionate video appeal to the Russian people and leadership over the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The former republican Governor, who made a similar video to condemn the January 6th US Capitol insurrection spoke about his ties and love for Russia and its people, stating further that it is for the reason they deserve to hear nothing else but the truth at a crucial moment such as this.
“I am speaking to you today because there are things that are going on in the world that are being kept from you, terrible things that you should know about,” the global superstar, who visited Russia many times for work and as a tourist, began his message.
The Terminator star, 74, went on to say that because of his affection for the Russian people, he wanted to share the “truth” about the war. “No one likes to hear something critical of their government. I understand that. But as a longtime friend of the Russian people, I hope you will hear what I have to say.”
Schwarzenegger said, “I know your government told you this is a war to denazify Ukraine. De-Nazify Ukraine? This is not true. Ukraine is a country with a Jewish president,” President Zelenskyy. “A Jewish president I might add whose father’s three brothers were all murdered by the Nazis.
“You see, Ukraine did not start this war. Neither did nationalists or Nazis. Those in power in the Kremlin started this war. This is not the Russian people’s war.”
Schwarzenegger talked about the United Nations vote in which 141 countries condemned Russia for starting the war and demanded the and withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. Only four countries sided with Russia.
“The world has turned against Russia because of its actions in Ukraine,” said Schwarzenegger, who showed video footage of a bombed orphanage, hospital maternity ward and displaced refugees — 3 million and counting.
Schwarzenegger said the government hasn’t just been lying to citizens but to its soldiers. They’ve been given fake reasons for the war — and some soldiers weren’t even told they were going into battle, leaving them unprepared and putting their lives at risk.
He shared a personal story comparing what Russian soldiers have been told to his Austrian father being lied to by his government when he was a Nazi soldier.
“He lived the rest of his life in pain,” Schwarzenegger said of his father, both physically and mentally “from the guilt he felt.”
“To the Russian soldiers listening to this broadcast, you already know much of the truth that I’ve been speaking,” he said. “You have seen it with your own eyes. I don’t want you to be broken like my father. This is not the war to defend Russia that your grandfathers or great-grandfathers fought. This is an illegal war.”
Schwarzenegger called on Russians to help spread the truth about the “human catastrophe that is happening in Ukraine.”
To President Vladimir Putin, Schwarzenegger sent a direct message: “You started this war. You are leading this war. You can stop this war.”
Schwarzenegger concluded his video by applauding the bravery of Russian protestors who have spoken out against the war and faced consequences for it.
“You are my new heroes,” he said. “You have the true heart of Russia.” He enthused.
Schwarzenegger’s message, which has gone viral, is being sent at a time in which Russia is tightly controlling how news is being reported within the country. The government has also censored the internet, blocking various news sites as well as social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
As part of efforts to address the long-standing plight of retired civil servants, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the payment of outstanding gratuities dating back to 2012.
According to a government house statement on Monday, the state government has, therefore, commenced the disbursement of N1 billion as the first batch of payments, fulfilling a commitment to clear the backlog inherited from previous administrations.
Gov Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s resolve to prioritize the welfare of retired civil servants who have dedicated their years of service to the state.
He noted that “For over a decade, many of our retirees have suffered due to the non-payment of their gratuities. This administration is putting an end to that hardship. I have approved the release of N1 billion for the first phase of payments, and we will not rest until all outstanding entitlements are cleared.”
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The Governor reiterated that his administration is committed to restoring the dignity of pensioners by ensuring that they receive their due benefits without further delay.
“We recognize the sacrifices made by our retirees, and it is unacceptable that they have had to wait this long for what is rightfully theirs. Our administration will not only clear these arrears but will also put measures in place to ensure such delays do not happen in the future,” Gov Okpebholo added.
He reaffirmed that his administration’s goal is to clear all outstanding gratuities in phases, ensuring that retirees enjoy the fruits of their labour.
The Governor further assured that the disbursement process will be transparent and fair, with pensioners receiving payments in batches based on a structured verification process.
“This is just the beginning. We will not abandon our pensioners. We are determined to ensure that those who served Edo State diligently are treated with the respect and care they deserve,” he concluded.
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its support for the rights of Nigerian citizens, especially young people, to stage protests and express their dissatisfaction with pressing national issues.
However, it cautioned that such actions must remain peaceful and must not result in the destruction of public infrastructure.
Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made this known in Abuja on Monday in response to recent youth-led protests across parts of the country.
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“Everyone has the right to protest. In fact, if I had the time, I would join the protest myself. There is freedom of expression for all. The young people who are protesting have valid reasons, they see certain issues and feel the need to speak up,” Olawande said.
While backing the right to demonstrate, the minister emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order during such actions.
He warned that any attempt to damage national infrastructure under the guise of protest would not be tolerated.
“However, while exercising this right, let it not escalate into something else. We will not allow anyone to destroy the infrastructural developments that support our economy and the progress we’ve made in this country,” he stated.
He further urged protesters to express their concerns in ways that do not obstruct public movement or endanger lives, suggesting that peaceful advocacy is more effective and likely to attract genuine attention from authorities.
“Yes, you have the right to speak, to come out and make your voice heard even to stand by the roadside but do not block the roads. Find a peaceful way to express your concerns; people will listen. If I have the opportunity, I’ll be there to speak with them as well.”
Olawande assured that the government is not opposed to demonstrations, but stressed that such activities must be carried out with a sense of responsibility and respect for public property.
“Protesting is a normal part of any society, and we are here to listen. No government is saying you shouldn’t protest but there must be limits and a sense of responsibility,” he added.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, is of the view that a wave of massive defections will soon hit opposition political parties in the South-South zone ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
He bared his mind over the weekend at a special reception in his honour at Ewatto, Esan South East local government area of Edo State after his victory at the election petition tribunal ruling.
He expressed gratitude to Edo people for their support, prayers, and counting him worthy to lead the State and assured the people that Edo would progress and develop under his watch.
In his words, “The people of Edo State will not regret voting me as their Governor. I am happy today that l am in a winning party. A party that was rejected by all and now has become the party that everybody wants to join. APC has come to stay as the government at the center is APC.
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“Very soon, there will be a lot of defections into the APC. People will move and cross carpet from PDP, LP and other opposition parties into the APC and that will be the beginning of South South keying into the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Today, I am happy and proud to say that I am a son to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am also proud to say I carry uncommon grace and uncommon transformation which I am already using to transform and develop Edo State.
“Words that come out of my mouth are prophetic and i am using these words to develop Edo State. My administration is working to ensure motorable roads and reducing traveling time for our people.
“Our development is also covering other neighboring States because South South must speak with one voice as we approach 2027.”
He had kind words for the royal fathers.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate our royal fathers for their support and prayers. I also appreciate Edo people for finding me worthy to cast their votes for me on September 21st governorship election in Edo State.
“It is not easy to run two elections in a year and win the two offices. I give God the glory. I am not the talking type and never interested in politics, but really want to develop Edo State.
“In 2021, we looked for an Esan man that would contest for Senate and we did not find any one who wanted to contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC) as everyone wanted to contest under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“The drive to contest came in 2022 when some people came to appeal to me to contest for the Senate and our discussion became an eye opener which led me into contesting for the Senate seat.
“I lost a beloved sister due to bad water which she consumed and I vowed to ensure good water is available across the State.
“I am really going to ensure good water runs in Edo State. Our development will not just be roads, schools, healthcare, providing the people with good drinking water across the State.”
The Governor and his entourage visited the place of the Onojie of Ewatto, HRH Osagie Sylvanus Ikhumen I, who was joined by other traditional rulers from Edo Central who received the Governor and prayed for the success of his administration.
He also inspected Chief Lee Ikpea’s Medical Center, Idumuiyase, Ewatto, where he was taken round the facility of the hospital, which is yet to be completed by the donor, Dr. Lemon Ikpea.
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